The third generation Audi A5 has gone on sale in South Africa offering classic sedan styling with a hint of sportiness, two powerful engines to choose from and an interior packed with the latest in vehicle technology.
Audi is synonymous with sedans. Their original Ur Quattro made the body shape popular with captivating performances on the world rally stage. For many years sedans were a popular body shape, but that popularity has dwindled significantly with the rise in popularity of SUVs.
While Audi offer a wide variety of SUVs, they believe that there are still customers who prefer the sleek looks and dynamic qualities of low slung, three box body shape. In an era where sedan sales and popularity are declining in favour of vehicles with enhanced ground clearance, the new Audi A5 offers a breath of fresh for those motorists who favour good looks and dynamism over a high-seating position and a degree of off-road capability.
A dynamic presence
The exterior is defined by clean lines, excellent proportions and a dynamic presence. A long wheelbase, large wheels and a low athletic stance add a sporty flair.
Upfront a wider, flatter single frame grille, incorporating a honeycomb structure is flanked by slim headlights.
The side profile stretches in a graceful arc towards the rear, flowing into sloping windows and finishing at a short, sculpted tailgate that incorporates a pronounced spoiler lip. While a pure sedan, the coupé-like silhouette blurs the lines as it introduces a new design interpretation.
Towards the rear, sculptural design is combined with advanced lighting technology. A continuous, three-dimensionally offset light strip enhances visual width. The clean lines of the bumper, dark diffuser and high-quality rectangular exhaust trims contribute to the refined, yet sporty look.
A driver focused digital cabin
The interior is defined by clarity, technology and tailored comfort. The centrepiece is Audi’s new MMI panoramic display, also known as the Digital Stage, comprising a curved 14.5-inch central touchscreen and the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus.
These displays are seamlessly integrated to offer a refined user experience, with natural touch responses and customisable layouts. The new infotainment system uses Android Automotive as its operating system and third party apps, such as YouTube are available via the Audi Application Store. Aud has also improved the existing self-learning voice assistant to incorporate ChatGPT, to answer questions.
An optional 10.9-inch passenger display adds a third screen to the dashboard and allows the front passenger to engage with infotainment, navigation and media, while this display remains invisible to the driver through privacy shading.
Ambient lighting enhances the atmosphere within the cabin as a soft wrap design feature, which spans across the dashboard and doors, creating a cohesive and open space. Decorative inlays in brushed aluminium, open-pore wood or carbon fibre are available with various interior packages.
Two Bang & Olufsen 3D sound systems are available on the new A5, featuring 16 speakers and a 16-channel amplifier or a more powerful system with headrest speakers in both front seats that ensure a natural, acoustically precise and impressive sound experience, for a total of 20 speakers and 810 watts of power.
Another highlight is the optional panoramic glass sunroof with segmented switchable transparency. By using advanced polymer-dispersed liquid crystal technology, the roof adjusts between clear and shaded sections, offering light and heat control while maintaining a seamless connection with the outside environment.
With a length of 4 829mm, the A5 sedan offers generous interior space for passengers in both rows. The boot space measures 445 litres, with 40:20:40 split folding rear seats that allow for the loading of larger items such as in a hatchback or SUV, adding a level of practicality.
Two powerful engines to choose from
The Audi A5 is available with two variations of the brands renowned 2.0-litre TFSI engine.
The first iteration offers 146kW and 340Nm paired to front wheel drive, while the second boasts 200kW and 400Nm, available with Audi Quattro all-wheel drive. Both engines are paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission.
Four derivatives to choose from
The Audi A5 Sedan will be available in four derivatives, which pair the two engines with either the S Line or Black Edition packages.
Each model is equipped with S line exterior styling as standard and equipment highlights include LED headlights pro, 19-inch wheels with run flat tyres, S sport suspension, an electric tailgate, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, park assist plus, rear view camera, MMI Navigation plus with Audi connect, three-zone automatic air-conditioning and sport seats with leather/artificial leather combination upholstery.
Black Edition variants add high-gloss black exterior accents, darkened Audi rings, black mirror housings, a bespoke 19-inch black metallic wheel, red brake callipers and darkened rear windows to the offering.
The latest in lighting technology
Audi’s leadership in lighting continues with available Matrix LED headlights that provide adaptive illumination and dynamic indicators. On models equipped with the optional Tech Pro package, the second-generation digital OLED rear lights offer up to eight selectable light signatures and includes proximity detection and car to X communication, enhancing roadside awareness and safety in critical moments.
Model range and pricing
All models are sold with a five-year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan
Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 146 kW S line R1 123 000
Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 146 kW Black Edition R1 166 800
Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 200 kW quattro S line R1 238 000
Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 200 kW quattro Black Edition R1 281 800
